Butler Opens Bearcat Invitational with Win Over NMSU

With three games in two days, the Bulldogs were able to conserve energy and dispose of New Mexico State in three games to open the Bearcat Invitational. Butler has now won four of the season's first five matches.

Junior Kali Carter slammed down 20 kills and added 11 digs for her fifth consecutive double-double to open the season. She also led the team with a .439 (20-2-41) hitting percentage. Her play accounted for 22 points in the match.

Butler (4-1) also got strong performances from several other players in the 30-24, 30-26, 30-25 decision. Areal Bienemy, who joined Carter on the All-Tournament Team at the New Orleans Invitational last weekend, had ten kills and seven digs. Senior setter Amanda Matthews helped out with 38 assists and 11 digs. Alyssa Cress had 12 digs, while Candice Washington chipped in 14 kills.

New Mexico State was led by Stevi Adams, who posted a double-double with ten kills and 12 digs. While the statistics were not as lopsided as the 3-0 decision, the Bulldogs did outhit their opponents .333 (57-13-132) to .200 (49-22-135).

Butler faces host Cincinnati at 1 p.m. EST (noon in Indianapolis) Saturday. The Bulldogs will then turn around and face the Thundering Herd of Marshall in the nightcap to conclude the tournament.